To Woodson, Amar'e fit for 4 spot

To Woodson, Amar'e fit for 4 spot

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

Mike Woodson argues with the refs Tuesday night but there will be no argument about Amar'e Stoudemire's role when he returns from injury. The Knicks interim co ach says Stoudemire is the starting power forward.

CHICAGO Carmelo Anthony has flourished in his new role but apparently he shouldnt get too comfortable playing power forward.

Mike Woodson made it clear that when Amare Stoudemire returns from a back injury, he will immediately step into the starting lineup. Stoudemire missed his eighth straight game Tuesday night with a bulging disc in his back and is not expected to play on Wednesday in Milwaukee.

His status for Fridays home game against Washington is uncertain, but there are encouraging signs that Stoudemire is making progress, including his participation in Tuesdays morning practice.

Ive got to think the doctors and Amare are on the same page in terms of where he is, Woodson said before Tuesday nights loss to the Bulls. And when they tell me hes ready to go, hell be right back in the starting lineup, playing the way I expect him to play.

In theory, a heal thy Stoudemire should enhance the odds of the Knicks not only securing a playoff berth, but also of advancing past the first round. However, Stoudemire and Anthony have yet to prove they can successfully coexist on the court. The Knicks are 29-28 overall but just 16-20 when Anthony and Stoudemire both play. That includes a six-game losing streak that ultimately led to Mike DAntoni stepping down as coach.

Stoudemire continued his media boycott on Tuesday, even though hell still engage the Knicks traveling beat writers in casual conversation, he says hes not ready to answer questions about his injury and/or status. In the meantime, Stoudemire is working with Knicks trainer Dave Hancock, and the intensity of their sessions has increased. Stoudemire is now able to run and dunk.

Hes still working out, taking it a day at a time, Woodson said. He looks pretty good. Again, I think its going to be up to Amare and the doctors when he decides to make his move.

Until he tells me hes ready to play, I got to continue to go to guys that are in uniform. When he tells me, Im going to welcome him back with open arms big time.

FOR THE RECORD
Anthony said that Woodsons record speaks for itself when asked if the Knicks interim coach is making a compelling case to drop that tag.

Hes doing a great job of ... due to circumstances of what happened with the coaching change, Anthony said. Hes responded well. I think at this point all hes really concerned about is winning basketball games and hes been doing that so that kinda speaks for itself.

The Knicks are 11-4 since Woodson replaced DAntoni. When DAntoni stepped down, Garden chairman James Dolan said the club would re-evaluate its coaching options after the season. Woodson has put himself in position to return and could enhance his odds by winning one or two playoff games.

However, the Knicks may also expl ore Phil Jackson, and according to sources, theyre also interested in Kentuckys John Calipari.

When asked if he wants to have a say in who coaches the team, Anthony replied: I dont know, man. As far as right now, me and Mike or nobody else has talked about that. When the season is over Im pretty sure that will be discussed.